In a significant legal development, three individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a battery-powered rickshaw (Ezibike) driver in Kamar Khanda, Sirajganj. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by Judge Md. Iqbal Hossain at the Sirajganj District and Sessions Judge Court in the presence of the accused, according to public prosecutor Rafik Sarkar.
The victim, Manik Hossain, left his residence on 21 November 2023 riding his Ezibike but never returned home. At approximately 10 pm, his mobile phone went out of service, and despite his family’s extensive search efforts that night, no trace of him could be found.
The following morning, local residents reported finding a mutilated body in a betel garden located in Jhail Uttarpara village under Kamar Khanda police jurisdiction. Relatives identified the body as that of Manik Hossain. Subsequently, his mother, Hafiza Khatun, filed a murder case against unidentified individuals at Kamar Khanda Police Station.
Using digital investigative methods, authorities identified three suspects who were later apprehended. The arrested individuals and their details are as follows:
| Name | Father’s Name | Village | Charges | Verdict & Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khokon Sheikh | Babu Sheikh | Kalia Uttarpara, Sirajganj Sadar | Murder of Manik Hossain | Life imprisonment, 20,000 BDT fine |
| Saddam Sheikh | Shamad Sheikh | Kalia Uttarpara, Sirajganj Sadar | Murder of Manik Hossain | Life imprisonment, 20,000 BDT fine |
| Rabbi alias Habib Sheikh | Abdul Ali Arif | Kalia Uttarpara, Sirajganj Sadar | Murder of Manik Hossain | Life imprisonment, 20,000 BDT fine |
According to the public prosecutor, Khokon Sheikh provided critical information leading to the recovery of the stolen Ezibike. He also gave a confessional statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Following a thorough investigation, the police submitted a formal charge sheet against all three suspects.
After evaluating the evidence and witness testimonies, the court sentenced all three individuals to life imprisonment. Additionally, each convict was ordered to pay 20,000 Bangladeshi Taka as a fine.
This ruling has been widely viewed as a strong message regarding the rule of law and accountability in the region. Legal experts note that the swift police investigation, combined with the judicial process, demonstrates the effectiveness of criminal justice in cases involving violent offences and serves as a warning to potential offenders.
The case has drawn attention to the safety risks faced by Ezibike and other informal transport operators in rural Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of enhanced community policing and rapid response to reports of missing persons.